The Strange Happenings of Artanis

Note: Any of the the characters mentioned in the following story are the intellectual property of Hasbro and that of it’s creator Lauren Faust. The use of such characters are meant to be used in a comical fashion. No copyright infringment is intended. Please support the official release.

Finding a place to sleep is pretty easy. Where I'm from, pulling teeth is easier.

It seems everyone, rather, everyPONY, jumped at the chance to provide sleeping arrangments. As expected though, Twilight had it and I found myself grateful that she was just as organized as she was on the show. I was still trying to figure out why I was pulled here. But I figured that the Royal Sisters had an answer.

Walking around Ponyville was strange. I recognized everything, from Twilight's library, to Sugarcube Corner. And after a mixed frenzy of wonder and shock and a sprinkle of panic, I was widely accepted. I honestly thought the residents would have a harder time with it.

Guess strange was the norm. Making our way through the center of Ponyville, we were crossed by three fillies. They stopped dead in front of me and my pony entourage. They looked at me, then at Twilight. And again at me, and then Twilight. So to break the awkward silence, I kneeled down to the level of the three fillies and gave them the best smile I could muster.

"Hello Cutie Mark Crusaders." Again, silence. "Names Artanis." Silence. Finally, the white one, Sweetie Belle, piped up.

"Uh, hi?" Then AppleBloom was next to speak. "What are you?" Applejack shot a stare at her sister. "AppleBloom!"

I chuckled lightly. "No worries Applejack. I am a human. I suppose you have never seen one before." All three shook their heads.

I stood up. "Heh, well you have now." They still seemed a little scared, so I tried to put their minds at ease by asking; "So, how goes the search for the cutie marks"? At this, their wide eyes got wider, then drooped in sadness. "Well,", started AppleBloom, "We still haven't found our special talent yet. But Ah think we're close! We were gonna try somethin' but now Ah can't remember.".

I laughed lightly. "Well, keep at it. I know all of you will get yours someday." "Well, how did you get yours"? Scootaloo asked, indicating my right forearm. "Yeah! And isn't it supposed to be on your leg"? asked Sweetie Belle.Laughing once more, I knelt down again. "Well, see, humans don't have cutie marks. And this" pointing to my right forearm, " this is called a tattoo. It's like a cutie mark but it's something I put on." They seemed to wince at my description. " Did it hurt"? Asked Sweetie Belle. "Well, yes, it did, but it all worked out." "What is it"? Asked Scootaloo. "Where I'm from, it's called a vambrace. A piece of armor." I held my arm out to give them a better view. They seemed amazed that something like a tattoo could be put on. Their eyes were filled with wonder and a hint of an idea. I suddenly felt uneasy. So to quash any ideas, "This is something I got when I turned eighteen. I could only get it when I got older. Not something I would do if I was your age.". They seemed dismayed at this news, but I tried to lighen them up. "But, I'm sure getting your cutie marks would be painless, which reminds me, weren't you trying to do that just now"? They all lit up at this and raced off. I laughed and we continued to Fluttershy's cottage, where I would spend the night and tomorrow, we would be off to meet royalty.

-The Next Day-

I woke up to the sound of a rooster crowing and Fluttershy coming up the stairs. Before she got to my door, I was up and making the bed, as any good guest would do for his host. A knock on the door. "Come in." I said. The door opened and the pegasus walked in with a piping hot cup of coffee in her teeth. She gave me the cup. " Good morning Artanis. Did you sleep well"? She asked, still shy to speak up. Even though it was hot, I drained my cup and set it down on the nightstand. "I did, thank you. We are leaving for Cantelot today yes"? I asked, as I knelt to the floor to stretch. "Um, yes we are." She looked at me with a puzzled look on her face. "Um, what are you doing"? She asked. I continued my stretching and moved to doing push-ups I tried to speak in between pushing myself up from the floor, grunting as I spoke. "Oh, well *urgh* I am *grr* warming up *huff* for the day." I explained, grunting. She let me finish the ten I set out to do. "Oh that must be good for you. Um, I mean, to do that.". I nodded and stood, and headed to the bathroom. I turned to her at the door. "Is it ok if I use your shower"? She nodded her head at me. "l'll be out shortly.", I said. She cantered out the door with a cup in her teeth. After showering, I pulled my clothes on and made sure I had everything on me. It was a habit of mine to check to see if I had everything I needed for the day, though if I knew I was coming to Equestria, no amount of gear I had would have prepared me for this. Cell phone, useless, check. Wallet, useless but still needed, check. Knife, check. Sword, check. I still wondered why I had it, but decided not to dwell on it feeling I would need it. Having everything I needed, I walked downstairs. Getting to the bottom, Fluttershy was doing what she did best, caring for her animals. Seeing me coming downstairs, she flashed a smile at me. "Ready to go"? She asked me. I nodded my head, and we both set out for Twilight's library.

-To Be Continued-